Robert Victor “Bob” Lemoine, aged 98, passed away, the morning of July 27, 2022, at Peace Hospice. Early on the morning of July 24, 2022, Bob was found by his son very weak and confused on the floor next to his bed. An ambulance was called immediately for transport to the hospital and further examination. Later that day, an ICU doctor called his son to discuss their diagnosis of sepsis pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. She explained due to his age and serious condition any treatment was futile, and suggested a transfer to hospice for his remaining care. Upon arrival later that night, Bob was made as comfortable as possible by very compassionate staff. With his son, RJ, and close friend, Linda by his side. Bob passed in peace at 2:57 a.m. escorted by his guardian angel.
Bob was born on December 9, 1923, to Italian immigrant parents, Joseph and Flamina Lemoine who had chosen to settle in Sand Coulee, MT. Bob’s mother died unexpectedly on his birthday turning twelve years old. This fact led to his quitting school after the ninth grade and going to work in the coal mines alongside his father. With WWII on the horizon, Bob enlisted in the US Army entering active service in March 1944. He was then sent to Texas and Louisiana to be trained as an artillery mechanic and departed for the Rhineland of Central Europe in October 1944. Bob attained the rank of T4 Tech Sergeant earning three service medals, the good conduct medal, the MM Rifle, Carbine marksmanship medal, and two overseas bars. Returning to the USA in March 1946, Bob received an honorable discharge from the Army 138th Ordnance Maintenance Division. Upon his return to Montana, Bob went to work for the Great Northern Railroad on a track repair gang for a few months. Before leaving home to join the Army, Bob’s father had hired a lady by the name of Olga Clemencig to cook and clean while they worked in the mines. Olga and Bob’s father later married and started a family. Olga also had a younger brother, Clem, whom Bob had grown up with. This of course made Clem Bob’s uncle, and he did not miss the chance to rib him about whenever a situation warranted! The two of them were good at creating fun for themselves, sometimes at the expense of other residents in the area. They decided to try their hand at becoming cowpokes on a big cattle ranch near White Sulphur Springs. When the opportunity came a few weeks later to go to town and whoop it up some, the pair realized they had not considered how far the ranch was from town. With only their legs to get them there that was the end of becoming cowboys! By then the CCCs had formed to put young men to work with projects in the National Parks as well as fighting forest fires when they occurred. They served together doing this until taking up their skilled trades. Bob went on to complete an apprenticeship as a journeyman carpenter working at the Anaconda Company for 43 years until they closed. He also worked for various local contractors including Volk Construction, Guy Tobacco, Dick Newman, and others when on strike and beyond. He also worked on various projects with other carpenter friends, Jim Super Bibs Muzzana and Roland Lencioni to name a few. Bob also worked on his own, building everything from garages to picnic tables for relatives and friends. He was an excellent finish carpenter who took a great deal of pride in his work.
Nearing 90, and needing help to remain at home, Bob asked his son RJ, if he would consider coming to live him to help out. RJ had planned to move back to Alaska to be with his sons and granddaughters, the youngest being three whom he had not even met yet. Obviously a very difficult decision, RJ decided he owed it to his dad to stay and help him. Still hard to believe, their relationship and support for one another continued uninterrupted for over the next ten years with Bob nearly making it to age 99 in reasonable health with his wit intact along with his independence. Very out-going, friendly, and well liked, he maintained his love of going to the Peak early mornings and the OP afterwards for lunch and to visit with friends. Something had to be of real importance for him to allow this routine to be interrupted. He also enjoyed going to the baseball and hockey games and would even drive out to the “Gulch” on occasion to watch his high school football team, “Miners” play.
Bob was a Life Member of the VFW, Elks, Legion, and United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America with over 50 years of continuous service.
Robert is survived by his son, RJ Bob Lemoine; sister, Lucille Mapston of Billings; brothers, Leo (Sherry) Lemoine of Mansfield, TX and Roger Lemoine of Lewistown; grandsons, Justin Lemoine of Wasilla, AK and Jacob Lemoine of Temple, TX; granddaughter, Cindy (Slavich) Sallee of Ventura, CA; grandson, Bruce (Laurie) Slavich of Ventura, CA; 8 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend and caregiver, Linda Olyer.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Emma (Mader) Lemoine; a son, Wayne Slavich; and a grandson, Zach Lemoine.
Cremation has taken place. Internment of his ashes in his niche next to Emma’s at Mount Olivet Cemetery will take place in a private service with military honors at a later date this fall.
A celebration of life is pending and will be published when the arrangements are finalized. A Mass will be said for Robert at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on September 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Donations are suggested in memory of Bob to the Great Falls Americans Hockey Team, PO Box 1302, Great Falls, MT 59403
Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.
